Some of you know that I worked in the only women’s correctional faclity for the State of New Jersey. For roughly 10 years, approximately 85% of women sentenced to state prison entered through my housing unit as the Reception Officer. It was challenging and stressful many times. During my tenure, I found a few allies. One in particular was Nurse Jen. We were of similar age and shared good humor. More importantly, we shared a subversive attitude of social justice, quite scandalous in such an environment. In such a negative, draining realm, we worked, laughed, and conspired for good, together.

While I was getting fired, Nurse Jen was giving birth. That was 1998. When I returned in 1999, I found out my dear friend had retired. I never saw her after that.

Two days ago, I woke up in excruciating pain, my left arm swollen and hot to the touch. I am used to my normal chronic pain, but this was above and beyond. I tried to push past it, but the pain in my left elbow and shoulder was unbearable. I knew I had damaged something, this was the same pain when I fell during a martial arts tournament (I won the match). Ice and Aleve did not work, my ortho was not available until later in the week. For the first time in many years, I had to go to the emergency room.

The emergency room was rather vacant and quiet, and I was ushered along quickly. They did my intake and escorted me to a room, with the Mrs. at my side. As we were talking, I heard a familiar voice, then saw a very familiar smile: Nurse Jen!!!! For a moment, the pain took a back seat as my old friend and support entered the room. 15 years had passed, but the happiness of seeing each other was just as great. The stars aligned, this was no coincidence.

Let me speak about the Law of Attraction. Jen Myers is also an inspirational speaker, focusing on the Law of Attraction. She speaks on positivity and how it draws people to you. She asked me what I do now (smile). Imagine, two people in such a dismal space, lifting each other up and then those around us. 15 years later, taking the ball and running with it, we walked our talk. My dear friend had her share of heartbreak, I knew some of her lemons. She is KINTSUKUROI. She is also proof of how positive energy will always find its kind. In this case, a reconnect of sisterhood.

Diagnosis: I tore the tendons, a bad case of tennis elbow. I still don’t know how I did it. Hurts like hell, but I’ll be alright in a few months.